The FC Barcelona squad was deeply affected by the unexpected passing of the first team's doctor, Carles Miñarro. On Sunday, the team held a heartfelt minute of silence before starting the penultimate session ahead of the match on Tuesday against Benfica. And, for the press conference before the UEFA Champions League round of 16 return leg, the club has decided that Hansi Flick will attend the usual meeting with the press alone.
The Barça coach was the first to learn of the terrible news on Saturday, which forced him to manage the arrival and departure of the team to Montjuïc. Flick had an excellent relationship with Miñarro, as well as with doctor Ricard Pruna, the medical head of the Barça squad. In this sense, Barça understands the silence of the squad as a sign of respect for Dr. Miñarro's family, in addition to protecting the players in such a sensitive moment.
Dani Olmo and Gavi, the most affected by the passing of doctor Carles Miñarro
After the official statement from the club on Saturday, confirming the tragic reason for the postponement of Barça-Osasuna, the culé squad spoke through their social media to mourn the passing of the Barça doctor. Dani Olmo and Gavi were, at first, the most affected by the unfortunate event. The '6' of Barça had an emotional moment with Miñarro during the match against Alavés last Sunday, February 2 (1-0), when the doctor convinced him to leave the match due to a strong blow to the head.
Olmo, for his part, had known Carles for many years, as his father worked alongside him in two of the teams he managed and also trusted him as the family's primary doctor. Now, Barcelona will try to honor the memory of the Catalan doctor with a victory on Tuesday that confirms their qualification for the Champions quarter-finals. Hansi Flick's team has an advantage after the 0-1 obtained last week in Lisbon.